Governor Scott Signs Florida Chamber-Backed Ridesharing Bill Into Law

By: Christopher Emmanuel

Florida Governor Rick Scott today removed a major road block to ridesharing technologies by signing into law a Florida Chamber of Commerce-backed bill that embraces innovation, strengthens job growth and provides ridesharing opportunities for Floridians and the 112+ million annual visitors to Florida.

Sponsored by Senator Jeff Brandes (R- St. Petersburg) and Representative Chris Sprowls (R-Clearwater), HB 221 creates consistent and responsible statewide regulations for transportation network companies. By setting reasonable insurance standards, the newly signed law not only helps ensure safety for riders and the public in general, it encourages innovation in the growing ridesharing sector – and the jobs and economic activity they bring with them – to move to Florida.

Why It Matters

Florida Chamber Foundation research shows that by 2030, Florida’s population will grow to approximately 26 million, an addition of six million new residents. Long-term forecasts predict Florida will have more than 160 million annual visitors by 2025. Consistent regulations like those provided by the passage of this bill are an important step toward ensuring Florida’s transportation infrastructure can accommodate population growth and help the state remain economically competitive well into the future.

“The Florida Chamber thanks the Florida Legislature and Governor Rick Scott for sending a strong signal to innovative companies that they are welcome in Florida,” said DAVID HART, Executive Vice President for the Florida Chamber of Commerce. “Innovation leads to economic development and competition, and statewide access to ridesharing increases transportation options in our communities and transforms the way they move and do business.”